Upward Bound : Nine Original Accounts of How Business Leaders Reached Their Summits

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Summary: A leadership trek well worth taking
Review: What is it about mountains that draw out the leadership metaphor? Is it their majestic height, their commanding views, or simply the lure of rising by one's own power into the clouds?The authors of "Upward Bound" believe that mountain climbing combines the challenge of reaching as high as one can with opportunity to work collectively with other like-minded individuals. Therein, lies one of the book's key messages: leaders and followers need one another to succeed. In the introduction, author Jerry Useem draws a parallel between Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzig Norgay's ascent to Everest with the rise of the largest retailer in the world, Wal-Mart. The parallel? Both were and are led by men who prefer anonymity: John Hunt led the first successful climb of Everest and Lee Scott heads Wal-Mart. Neither are household names, but both are examples of leadership that draws its strength from the power of those who contribute to the endeavor, be it a mountain or a business.

"Upward Bound" is a collection of stories told by nine writers from different backgrounds united by a common love of mountain climbing. The stories are organized according to themes relevant to business situations, e.g. Peak Performers, Scaling Up, and First Mover Advantage. The stories weave personal narrative and business examples seamlessly so that lessons become as clear as crystalline mountain air... and just as invigorating.

Lead author Michael Useem provides insight into what it takes to be a guide. All of us naturally think of leaders as showing their people the way, but what about guides? In mountain climbing, they are the professionals who help others to the top. In business, guides are the strategic thinkers and doers who lead by "seeing the whole," all the while building upon the ideas and contributions of others. Of note is an epilogue by author and business researcher, Jim Collins about becoming an expert beginner. In Collins' case he hired a climbing coach, after he'd been climbing for twenty?five years. This example serves as a strong metaphor for all of us who want to find new ways to keep fresh and creative so that we remain vital and purposeful. I strongly recommend anyone interested in finding out how to become a better leader as well as a better follower to read "Upward Bound." It's well worth the trek!